Tyler Bate set for action on next week's NXT UK

Tyler Bate is set for action on next week’s episode of NXT UK.

WWE has announced that Bate will face Sam Gradwell on NXT UK next Thursday (January 14). This will be just the second time Bate has wrestled since NXT UK returned with new episodes in September.

Bate returned to WWE television on the December 10 episode of NXT UK and unsuccessfully challenged A-Kid for the Heritage Cup Championship. On this week’s NXT UK, a video aired where Bate reflected on that loss. Bate said the loss provoked painful feelings and uncomfortable energy inside of him, but those moments of pain and discomfort present the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson. Bate said he’s learned that as long as he gives his all and is open to learning from a place of absolute authenticity, he’s liberated from the pain that any match can put in front of him.

Bate quoted Bruce Lee by saying “Be like water, my friend.” Bate said he feels what that means and wants to change the paradigm of his art like Bruce Lee did. Bate noted that he believes professional wrestling chose him as a conduit for some greater good that he doesn’t even know yet. Bate said if he acts out of raw and pure authentic self expression, everything will fall perfectly into place.

When the video ended, Gradwell was shown watching it on his phone. Gradwell asked if it was supposed to be inspirational and said the only yogi he respects is Yogi Bear. Gradwell said being like water is terrible advice.

Next week’s NXT UK episode will be headlined by WALTER defending his NXT UK Championship against A-Kid.